Since the 1700s when Venetian traders introduced the idea of using horizontal slats as window coverings, blinds have evolved into one of the most versatile and efficient forms of window treatments. Skilled businessmen, the Venetians actually discovered blinds in Persia and then introduced them to Europeans. But the window coverings really started to take off after World War II.
| Resources |
| hunterdouglas.com |
| blindstogo.com |
| customdesignsbyjill.com |
| levolor.com |
| kirsch.com |
Fueled by innovations in technology and consumer protection laws, there are now more types of blinds, in more colors, made from more materials than ever before. This includes wood, polyester, fabric and yes, aluminum. They are safer and more energy-efficient than ever.
“Today blinds are much more functional and do more than one thing,” said Kim Kiner, vice president of product design for Hunter Douglas. “A growing trend is to use blinds in layering.”
Kiner said the first layer is for light filtering, diffusing it and offering privacy. “Products such as Silhouette window shadings … with soft fabric vanes that are suspended between sheer facings, are superior at this,” she said.
The second layer is decorative and typically done by adding draperies, valences or a second shade.
“There are also numerous practical purposes that layering provides, such as correcting odd-size windows and improving the proportions of a room by using a heightening window treatment that makes the room seem larger,” Kiner said.
Second tiers also help protect from chill outside air or summer heat leaking in, as well as covering any light seeping in around the sides of the first layer.
Manufacturers are coming up with creative ways to hide cords and bindings so some blinds look just like draperies. These products come as sheers or a combination of sheers with fabric.
Levolor’s Soft Vertical Shades act as a light-filtering drapery, room-darkening blind and decorative wood valance all in one. The Luminette Modern Draperies Dual Panel from Hunter Douglas combines drapery and sheer fabrics on one operating head rail. The rotating vanes of the sheer provide light and privacy control.
“These add a soft, casual elegance that works well in casual rooms like the family room,” said Jill Kahn, custom window treatment designer and owner of Jill Designs in Rockville.
To give drapery panel blinds a more formal look, pair them with custom valances such as the Estate Valance from Kirsch, which conceals the head rail and operating system while providing architectural detail, including coordinating finials.
For a more traditional look, Kahn recommended wood blinds, and for contemporary looks, especially in lofts with large wall-to-wall windows, she suggested solar shades.
Yielding to demands for child-safe products, most blinds manufacturers offer cordless lift options.
Consumers also are demanding ways to conserve energy. In response, honeycomb shades have been developed that provide insulation as well as superior privacy and light control.
Regardless of style, Kahn said it is “critical” to have windows professionally measured before ordering.
“Some people are more capable than others. But for the most part we recommend professional installation,” Kiner said. “You want the product to fit your window so that it performs properly.”
When it comes to color, Kahn said, experiment with walls instead of blinds. “Stay with neutral colors. You can always change the paint on your walls,” she said. “I tell my clients a gallon of paint is much cheaper than blinds.”
